The growing presence of children panhandling in Ogba Bustop, Lagos has sparked concern among residents and child rights advocates, who fear the trend exposes minors to exploitation, danger, and a cycle of poverty.
Many of these children, seen approaching motorists and pedestrians for money, are believed to be victims of economic hardship or organized begging syndicates.
These children, mostly from Hausa and Almajiri communities, can be found particularly in Ogba Bustop in their numbers, harassing passersby for money. In many cases, they are shunned and shouted upon.
NIJINSIGHT reports that behind their persistent begging lies a more sinister reality – one of exploitation, neglect, and a lack of access to education.
While the actual ages of these children were not confirmed, it was observed that they touch, tug, and even shout at passersby in a bid to solicit empathy and receive money
Speaking with a commuter, on Friday, February 21, Mrs. Johnson Adeola, frequent the area revealed that, “I was walking to work one morning when one of these children grabbed my arm and refused to let go. I had to forcefully push her away before she would leave me alone.”
After speaking with the market women and POS operators around the Bus Stop, it was confirmed that the parents of these children are the ones who profit from their labor.
They use their children to make money, often under the guise of begging for food or shelter.
Social worker and resident, Mr. Ahmed Ayobami, who has worked with street children in Lagos told NIJISIGHT, “It’s a form of child labor. These parents are exploiting their children for financial gain, depriving them of their right to education and a safe childhood.”
A LACK OF ACCESS TO EDUCATION
One of the most disturbing aspects of this issue is the lack of access to education for these children.
When asked why they prefer begging to schooling, one of the children whose name remains withheld said, “I prefer begging because I can make money and buy things I want.”
Commenting on the social issue, elementary school teacher at Desmo College in Ogba, Mrs. Janet Okoro, who has worked with underprivileged children in Lagos, said “This is a clear indication that these children are being denied their right to education. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, but these children are being robbed of that opportunity.”
The issue also appear to be a concern for daily commuters, including students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism who pass through the Bus stop to get to school daily.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The observation in Ogba appears to be a reflection of a bigger issue across Nigeria, where many out-of-school children are subject to begging on the streets.
Recall that data from the United Nations Children Agency (UNICEF), in 2024, revealed that there are 18.3 million children shut out of school by worsening insecurity and accelerating poverty in Africa’s most populous nation.
Although, the Lagos State government have implemented several measures to enroll thousands of out-of-school children through the Sanwo Olu-led administration’s Project Zero Programme, particularly in 2024.
However, more needs to be done, especially with the rising case of children panhandling in areas like Ogba of the metropolis.
